Manual clutch problem

[millerrdjr]

2014 RT-SM6 with 32000 miles.
I had a problem with the clutch not disengaging and replaced the slave cylinder (BRP calls this the Hydraulic Cylinder).
The new slave cylinder corrected the problem for a few hundred miles.
NOW, I cannot operate the clutch lever. It will not move.
Had this happen earlier after the slave cylinder replacement and was able to free it up with repeated attempts to operate the clutch handle.
It happened again while on a trip and I could not get the clutch handle to move.
When I open the slave cylinder bleed, the master cylinder handle moves freely and pumps the fluid out the bleed.
The clutch seems to be stuck in the dis-engaged position.
Could this be the clutch actuating rod sticking?
Disgusted and haven't torn it down yet.
Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[millerrdjr]

2014 RT-SM6 with 32000 miles.
I had a problem with the clutch not disengaging and replaced the slave cylinder (BRP calls this the Hydraulic Cylinder).
The new slave cylinder corrected the problem for a few hundred miles.
NOW, I cannot operate the clutch lever. It will not move.
Had this happen earlier after the slave cylinder replacement and was able to free it up with repeated attempts to operate the clutch handle.
It happened again while on a trip and I could not get the clutch handle to move.
When I open the slave cylinder bleed, the master cylinder handle moves freely and pumps the fluid out the bleed.
The clutch seems to be stuck in the dis-engaged position.
Could this be the clutch actuating rod sticking?
Disgusted and haven't torn it down yet.
Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Mainly just thinking out loud here....

When you open the bleed screw & pump fluid out, what does it look like?? :dontknow:
Has your Spyder ever had the clutch fluid fully bled & replaced?? :dontknow:
Isn't doing that a scheduled service item?? :dontknow:

Could well be the actuating rod sticking; could be something else in/around the clutch basket sticking too; and if opening the bleed screw lets the lever move freely & pump fluid out, then closing the bleed screw locks the lever WITHOUT actually letting the clutch disengage/engage as it should, then I reckon I'd be punting on it being a mechanical issue rather than a hydraulic issue.... it sounds as tho the hydraulic side of things would work if it could, but something is physically stopping that from happening?! Is the actuating rod too long, or something blocking that rod from pushing like it should? :dontknow:

Lotsa :dontknow:'s, but since I can't actually look at & prod/poke the thing, that's the best I can offer atm. Sorry, and Good Luck! :thumbup:

 

[millerrdjr]

Yes, I replaced and bled the clutch fluid months before I replaced the slave cylinder. I am currently thinking that what BRP calls the 'support cover' may be binding in the bore. This is what the slave cylinder pushes against. Still haven't disassembled anything. Contemplating taking it to a dealer but hearing of two months wait for an appointment causes pause. Thanks for your comments.

 

[millerrdjr]

This is a picture of the support cover.

 

[millerrdjr]

I found the problem. It was self induced. When I replaced the slave cylinder I did not have it seated properly. The lowest part of the flange was not completely seated. So when the slave piston was actuated it was pushing on a slight angle. This worked for a few hundred miles but eventually the cocked piston bound in the bore. I have attached two pictures for clarity.

 

[safecracker]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Haze]

Thank you for posting a followup.

 

[Grandpot]

Good catch.